Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, was arrested by ICE agents for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. His wife, Noor Abdalla, captured the arrest on video. A judge denied the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss Khalil’s challenge to the legality of his arrest, but the case was moved to New Jersey. Khalil’s lawyer argued that he was moved to Louisiana to avoid having the case heard in New York or New Jersey.
Khalil, who is of Palestinian descent, was targeted by ICE for advocating for Palestinian rights and his lawyers claim that the arrest violated his First Amendment rights. The case has become a symbol of the Trump administration’s stance on deporting non-U.S. citizens involved in protests against Israel.
Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, has not been able to visit him in detention. Khalil’s supporters continue to call for his release and plan to fight for justice until he is reunited with his family in New York.
The administration has cited a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act to justify Khalil’s removal, claiming that his participation in “pro-Hamas events” could harm U.S. foreign policy. However, Khalil’s lawyers argue that he has no ties to Hamas and was a mediator during the protests. The case will now be heard in a federal court in New Jersey.
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